Prof. Lawrence H. Schiffman: New York UniversityHalakhic Elements in the Sapiential Texts

The sapiential texts from Qumran include a small number of interesting references to issues of Jewish law which are mentioned in passing or because of relevance to a particular context. In view of the popular conception that biblical wisdom literature is only minimally connected to the particularistic aspects of Israelite religion, it is important to note these passages in the sapiential material found at Qumran. Subjects to be_discussed involve oaths and vows, annulment of women's oaths, agricultural laws, weights and measures and the firstborn.